Page 3 in The Sun newspaper has held an extraordinary cultural significance in the UK for more than four decades. Launched during a period of immense social change, the feature became infamous for its daily photographs of topless female models. This article explores the history, controversies, societal impact, and the eventual decline of Page 3, reflecting contemporary attitudes in Britain. Drawing on the latest news, expert opinions, and cultural analysis, the article aims to deliver up-to-date insights in a clear, engaging manner suitable for a UK audience.
The Birth and Rise of Page 3
Page 3 first appeared in The Sun in 1970, capturing the zeitgeist of a sexually liberated and modernising Britain. At the time, newspapers competed fiercely for readership. Under the editorial guidance of Larry Lamb, The Sun broke from convention, combining risqué imagery with witty tabloid journalism. Within a year, sales surged to 1.5 million copies a day. By 1978, The Sun became the nation’s top-selling daily, credited in no small part to the Page 3 feature.
This approach set the newspaper apart from its rivals. Journals such as The Daily Mirror and The Daily Star briefly mimicked the formula, though most stepped away from such content after mounting criticism in the 1980s.
Cultural Impact: A New Tabloid Identity
Page 3 did not just sell newspapers—it shaped the very identity of The Sun. The feature reflected and amplified the paper’s embrace of hedonism, celebrity news, and lively political opinions. It was seen variously as a celebration of sexual liberation or a troubling symbol of everyday sexism. Under editors like Kelvin MacKenzie, The Sun furthered its reputation for brash, irreverent commentary, striking a chord with working-class readers and influencing the broader tabloid genre.
Many critics have argued that Page 3 perpetuated the objectification of women, pushed boundaries of taste, and trivialised issues of gender equality. Feminists and politicians sought to challenge its place in the nation’s largest-selling newspaper. Opponents argued that the images were demeaning and contributed to casual misogyny in British popular culture.
The Political and Social Debates
Page 3 became a topic of debate within public life. In Parliament, Labour MP Alex Lyon held up a copy of The Sun, arguing that the publication could be prosecuted for indecency. Conservative councils began removing it from public libraries, decrying its sexual content. The campaign for “No More Page 3” gathered momentum over the years, gaining significant public and political support. Education Secretary Nicky Morgan welcomed its eventual discontinuation, describing the move as “long overdue” and “a small but significant step towards improving the media portrayal of women”.
The feature’s defenders, including some government ministers and several Sun editors, maintained that the press should remain free from regulatory curbs on content, arguing adults should choose what they read. Page 3 models themselves occasionally participated in campaigns and public events, challenging the notion that their work was exploitative.
Campaigns and the Shift in Public Opinion
By the late 2000s, the tide had begun to turn against Page 3. Social media campaigns and grassroots activism gained traction, most notably the “No More Page 3” movement. Supporters pointed out that children regularly saw topless models over breakfast, and argued that “boobs aren’t news”. Activists linked their efforts to wider debates around gender representation in media, calling for voluntary changes rather than legislative bans.
The conversation shifted as new generations questioned the feature’s place in the fabric of British life. Many felt its routine presence in a family newspaper was out of step with the nation’s changing values.
The Decline and Discontinuation of Page 3
In January 2015, after 44 years, The Sun discreetly retired the daily topless model from Page 3. Media outlets reported that Rupert Murdoch had signed off on the policy change, reflecting changing societal attitudes and market pressures. The decision was widely welcomed by campaigners and politicians. Clare Short, a longstanding critic, called it “an important public victory for dignity.” The “No More Page 3” campaign hailed the decision as “truly historic news” and “a huge step for challenging media sexism”.
Nevertheless, The Sun did not completely abandon glamour imagery; Page 3 continues to feature models in lingerie and bikinis. Critics argue that this is merely a shift to less explicit images, but one that still frames women as objects for male readers. The debate around sexualisation and gender representation persists in today’s media.
Page 3 Models: Fame, Careers, and Challenges
Page 3 provided a route to fame for many aspiring models. The likes of Linda Lusardi, Sam Fox, and Jodie Marsh became household names. Some leveraged their notoriety to build careers in television and other media. For others, the attention brought its own challenges, with the feature at times framing models as glamorous icons or subjects of controversy.
The Sun occasionally included interviews and profiles of Page 3 girls, painting a varied picture of their lives off the page. Some expressed pride in their work, while others later reflected on the unintended consequences of fame. The feature’s influence on young women’s self-image and aspirations remains a subject of debate in British pop culture.
Media Representation and Societal Change
The debate over Page 3 is emblematic of broader discussions about media responsibility, gender equality, and the changing tastes of British readers. As society has become more attuned to questions of representation and inclusivity, newspapers and magazines have faced greater scrutiny over the images and messages they promote.
Cases such as Page 3 illustrate how market forces, activism, and public opinion can converge to reshape the landscape of print media. Today, The Sun and other tabloids continue to balance commercial success with expectations of social responsibility, reflecting readers’ evolving values.
Journalism, Free Expression, and the Future
The enduring battle between free expression and media regulation remains a key part of the Page 3 conversation. Editors at The Sun have repeatedly emphasised their right to publish material that appeals to their readership, arguing it fosters choice and diversity in the press. Others, including regulators and advocacy groups, call for firmer guidance around issues of sexism and exploitation.
The debate has extended to other forms of media, including digital platforms and broadcast journalism. As print circulation declines, newspapers seek new relevance online, adapting to audiences who are more diverse and critical than ever before.
Contemporary Status: Where Is Page 3 Now?
While Page 3 in its original topless form is now a part of British history, its legacy endures. The Sun maintains its reputation for bold headlines and populist commentary. Today, the feature survives online, occasionally revisiting glamour imagery but in line with stricter standards. Rival newspapers, such as The Daily Star, have followed suit, dropping Page 3 style images as part of wider redesigns.
Current editorials at The Sun announce a commitment to “caring for what modern Britain cares about,” reflecting the publication’s efforts to adapt and connect with contemporary audiences. The shift away from Page 3 mirrors changes across British media, as outlets respond to shifting demographics and values.
Experts Weigh In: Media Analysts and Sociologists
Sociologists and media analysts frequently cite Page 3 as a powerful symbol of Britain’s evolving attitudes toward gender and sexuality. In academic circles, the feature is credited with both democratizing newspaper content and reinforcing problematic stereotypes. Researchers have highlighted the tension between economic motives and social costs in publishing such content.
Recent studies suggest that exposure to sexualised imagery shapes perceptions of gender, contributing to broader cultural trends around beauty, self-worth, and masculinity. Conversely, feminist scholars argue that removing topless models fosters greater equality and dignity, though they caution that debates about objectification and representation are far from over.
Official Statements and Public Reactions
When Page 3 was discontinued, government officials, campaigners, and cultural leaders provided public statements on its significance. Then-Minister for Women and Equalities, Nicky Morgan, welcomed the change as a step forward in media portrayals of women. No More Page 3 campaigners declared victory but urged continued efforts to address sexism in all forms of media.
Newspaper editors stood by the principle of editorial freedom, noting that decisions about content belong to publishers and consumers, not regulators. The subject continues to attract attention in discussions regarding press standards, censorship, and media ethics.
Current Trends: The Sun’s Place in Today’s Media
The Sun remains one of the UK’s most widely read tabloids, even as its influence wanes amid declining print sales. Modern editions focus on sport, celebrity news, politics, and lively opinion columns. While glamour images survive, they do so within the boundaries of contemporary standards.
Data from leading media analysis firms show a steady decline in sales since the heyday of Page 3, reflecting the broader challenges faced by print journalism. The Sun’s efforts to diversify content and embrace digital innovation point to a future where sensation and controversy coexist with more nuanced forms of reporting.
Page 3 and Pop Culture Legacy
The story of Page 3 is woven into the fabric of British pop culture. References abound in television, music, and public discourse, testifying to the feature’s enduring notoriety. Even as perspectives shift, Page 3 remains a touchstone for debates around freedom of expression, gender roles, and media influence.
For some, nostalgia persists for the brash, populist journalism of The Sun’s Page 3 years. For others, the move away from topless models signals progress and a more inclusive approach to British media.
The Way Forward: Media Evolution
As newspapers continue to evolve, the lessons of Page 3 resonate. The balance between commercial appeal and social responsibility remains delicate. Today’s media landscape prioritises stories that reflect Britain’s diversity and complexity, offering readers a broader range of voices and perspectives.
The era of Page 3 topless models may be over, but its legacy continues to spark conversation. Readers, campaigners, and journalists alike will shape the future of Britain’s press—one headline at a time.
FAQ
1. What was Page 3 in The Sun?
Page 3 was a daily feature in The Sun newspaper showcasing topless female models, introduced in 1970 as part of a drive to boost circulation and create a distinct tabloid identity.
2. Why was Page 3 controversial?
Many considered Page 3 sexist and demeaning to women, causing protests from feminists and cultural critics; supporters argued it reflected sexual liberation and press freedom.
3. When did The Sun discontinue topless Page 3 models?
The Sun quietly stopped printing topless models on Page 3 in January 2015 after 44 years, following public pressure and shifting societal attitudes.
4. What happened to Page 3 models?
Some Page 3 models gained fame and used the platform to build careers, while others later discussed the challenges and controversies that came with being objectified in the media.
5. Does any UK newspaper still have Page 3 style images?
As of 2025, rival tabloids like The Daily Star have also dropped such features, marking the end of Page 3 style images as a daily tabloid tradition.
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